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Hello, how are you? I hope the festive season is being very kind to you.

It’s around this time of year where I talk about my highlights. It gets tougher every year, I reached that stage now where every day is my best ever day. This year I’ve grown mentally stronger, tougher and growing in self-confidence in myself and in my talents. I’ve been going out more times than I ever had, and never have I seen so many films at the cinema in one year. That feat is especially a big deal to me.

I tried many times to let go of my past, sometimes I felt I did but there were some things I hadn’t considered. Perhaps deep down I was trying to convince myself rather than accept that I wasn’t quite there yet. But now, I do feel that I have reached that place. Right now I feel that this is the best month of the year, partly because it’s Christmas, but also because I reached a good place in my life.

To add a few things that happened recently- I looked after my niece a few times with my Mum, I did yoga, I went Santa-Sack shopping with my sister in Manchester and dined at AskItalian with my brother and co for our traditional Christmas Jumper Meal. I also got amazing feedback over my small overview review of Kase-San and Morning Glories which I will expand on further down the page. =)

I think perhaps my most significant encounters all happened in anime and art.

My art is slowly starting to take off and becoming more popular. I improved my technique, polished my style and I’m enjoying my drawings much more. I received a few commissions, a donation and a dozen of requests and was rewarded with customer satisfaction. That especially made my job worthwhile. I also did a birthday picture for my Mum of Beauty and the Beast, her favourite Disney couple. =)

I’ve always known that I wanted to be a writer but I did drawing as an aside. Yet, over these past couple of years I gradually turned my favourite hobby into something much more important.

2018

I never do New Year’s Resolutions but I will summarise very quickly what I intend to do next year.

Birthday

I like to celebrate my birthdays as peacefully and quietly as possible but as it is my 30th I decided to try and make an effort. I’m going to celebrate it in a cinema whether it’s playing on the Wii Switch with family or watching an anime like One Punch Man or Non Non Biyori.

Updating my Website

I just want to give my website a revamp.

Twitter Manga Reviews

I found a new refreshing way to review manga and light novels, instead of writing an lengthy evaluation I now write a short synopsis.

So far I reviewed How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom vol 4, There’s a Demon Lord on the Floor vol 4, Hybrid x Heart Magias Academy Ataraxia vol 1 and Kase-San and Morning Glories. I was surprised when I got positive feedback on my Kase-San review with the amount of likes and retweets.

I won’t go so far as to say that I won’t review a manga/light novel ever again but I won’t do it any time soon.

Conventions

I am hoping to attend anime conventions and if appropriate I would love to have my own art stall.

Manga Books and General Art

In light of these conventions I’ve been developing and storyboarding my stories with my own characters.

I don’t want to give anything away but I’m working on a short manga story and a picture book. These are very exciting times. I have basic ideas for the monster girls and I have a full completed story in mind for my short manga, I just need to draft it and get to work.

If I’m successful I will be able to complete all of this in time for one of the conventions next year. I won’t rush to complete them as you should never rush art but I’m very keen to get on with these projects and show everyone my work. =)

It’s now November. As soon as Halloween finished everyone started to advertise Christmas, which I wholeheartedly approve. =)

General News

I don’t really celebrate Halloween as passionately with Birthdays and Christmasses but I did try to get into the spirit when I played board games at my Brother’s Halloween Party. It’s always good fun but I do find myself confused with the rules. At one point I was so focused reading the rules that I accidentally knocked over my J2O all over my Brother’s cards. Whoops!

It was my Mum’s Birthday last Saturday and for her Birthday I got her Disney Crochet Patterns book and a Beauty and the Beast picture that I painted for her personally. I’m thankful that she likes it because it took me a long time to draw and colour it. It was especially difficult because Disney is not my style so it was tough to adapt, but with great fortune I managed it. =)

I watched Kingsmen: The Golden Circle at the cinema with my Brother and afterwards visited the Hard Rock Café to have drinks. That evening did take a toll on me because it was very busy with lots of people, both inside the café and around it because of the Little Mix concert.

I did embarrass myself at the bar by asking for a marshmallow J2O. Why I did this is still a mystery. Putting that aside indulging in that calming yet active atmosphere was a good experience. I wouldn’t want to go out every week but I would certainly like to come back one time to the Hard Rock Café. =)

Fun News

During my breaks of writing, drawing and looking after my niece I’ve been indulging on my Nights of Azure game, the second instalment, Bride of the New Moon. I’m really enjoying it. It feels a tad weird not seeing Arnice or Lilysse in it but it’s still good nonetheless.

Thanks to the previous games of the Atelier Series and the first Nights of Azure I have a firm grasp how to play the game. I have good idea the location of the plot, how to strengthen weapons, how to enhance specific items and so on. This time I bought the normal edition for the Nintendo Switch so the efforts it’s probably not as rewarding as it might be for the PlayStation 4, trophy wise, but I find it more rewarding that I’m able to progress through the storylines without online tutorials. I’m figuring everything out for myself and I can enjoy the story and gameplay without worrying about achieving the trophies in the process.

Playing it for the Switch is beneficial as I can play it anywhere. I know there’s the Vita but with Nights of Azure I’d rather play it on the Switch with a controller than on a handheld like the Vita.

In hindsight I probably should have bought the limited edition which comes with extra goods, like the DLC, but that’s not really important. What’s important is my enjoyment of the game which I’m enjoying very much.

I’m doing other things besides Nights of Azure. I’m playing Senran Kagura PBS for the PS4 and New Game! for the Vita. I practice Yoga every day and I’m reading manga/light novels before bed. I’m currently reading How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom volume 4 and just made it to chapter 5. As soon as I’ve finished reading that I’m going to read In Another World with my Smartphone volume 5. I considered reviewing all volumes from 1 to 5 in one swoop but that would be too much of a hassle so I may settle to just reviewing the newest volume if the mood strikes me. =)

Art News

I’m taking some time from my schedule to study some art books. I have confidence in my ability right now but studying fantastic art and artists will not only help me improve but it will inspire me more and give me clearer ideas for my future illustrations. Luckily I have ideas I’m already working on but I really want to take my time with them.

I feel I get better with every picture I draw. I can visualise the content of my pictures much clearer, and that makes me very happy.

I’m going to attend the Doki Doki Festival over the weekend. This will be quite a big event for me as I arranged the trip to go there with my brother. It’s the complete unknown and I am somewhat apprehensive about it but ultimately I think we will enjoy it. =)

Hello everyone, I hope you’re all enjoying this festive season. I know I am.

Recently I’ve been putting a lot of my work in progress aside to focus on my very own “Christmas Project.” I’m going to upload 12 pictures per day and use them as a “countdown” to Christmas starting on 13th December. I’ve been planning this for some time and I’m excited that my idea is finally coming to fruition. =D

I planned it so that I would work on two landscape pictures alongside the Christmas Project but I unexpectedly received a lot of requests between November and now. I’m very flattered and happy as I never foresaw that people would enjoy my work let alone ask me for requests. I’m working hard to get the pictures right and currently they’re all in rough stages and ready to be inked and coloured. I’m much busier than anticipated in December but it’s a nice headache to have. =)

Unfortunately I am behind schedule with this project so I’ve been making up for lost time the best I can and as a result I had to put my requests on hold. Christmas, family and baby-sitting duties comes first, especially at this time of year.

This is quite possibly the busiest holiday I’ve ever had and I have often received a lot of blank headaches and being unwell. It’s nothing to be concerned about because I recognise my own limitations and only going beyond the limits when I need to but I also stop and rest when I need to.

The official countdown will start tomorrow. I hope you enjoy viewing these pictures as much as I enjoyed drawing them. =)

This evening I went to a Christmas Jumper Meal with a couple of my friends. We went to the Italian Restaurant, Ask Italian. It was my first time eating there and I enjoyed it. The food was nice and the atmosphere was good as everyone was getting into the Christmas spirit.

The lasagne was very nice. It was warm and easy to chew. The Honeycomb Cheesecake left a nice taste in my mouth with its cool and sweetness. The hot chocolate made my lips dance but admittedly I still prefer home cooked hot chocolate.

It was good as the atmosphere was calm and the Christmas music was playing in the background. I found the staff to be very polite and approachable too. =) After a while I started to feel dizzy right around my desert was served. This was because more people came and partly because I probably had too much to eat.

Dining at AskItalian was good experience and I’m glad I went. Socialising at unfamiliar places will always be a challenge for me but fortunately on this occasion I was able to rise above it. It was a bonus that I was able to debut my Christmas Jumper for the very first time. =)

My reward now is getting a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow, I intend to continue more of my Christmas picture. It’s taking a long time but it will definitely be worth it. =)

Are you getting that Christmas buzz yet? I know I am. Admittedly I am rather sick and have a bad cold but I’m taking it easy and focusing on my favourite things. I managed to put my decorations up, all I need to do now is wrap the presents and I’m done.

I can tell you with pride right now that I am on a chocolate diet. I started the diet since the first of December and as of today, I have managed to fit chocolate into my diet and gorge on them every morning. I will continue to gorge on them until my belly is nice and round. Wish me luck!

If I can manage that then my diet is a success! Haha. Of course I’m joking. I am doing this amazing exercise that I learnt from yoga. It requires breathing and sucking in the stomach. Apparently if you keep it up, you can get a six pack. In all honesty I’m not so bothered about a six pack but if I get one, so be it.

If we were all meant to have six packs, we would probably be born with them. Yet, we are all so different because we were meant to be different. Can you imagine Father Christmas having a six-pack? I know I can’t. He’s my favourite chubby person in the whole world and I would never want to have him any other way.

Getting back on track… the Christmas spirit is quite spectacular. Normally all of my drawings, writings and generally everything that usually takes priority is suddenly becoming second priority. Usually I take pride in my writings but I decided to give in to the spirit. Just because, well, why not? After all, Christmas comes once a year, it’s magical, it fills you with happiness and it lasts for one month. =)

The Christmas Nostalgia is the best kind of nostalgia. There’s good nostalgia like remembering a book from your childhood and bad nostalgia like someone or an object reminds you of a sad time in your life. However, with the Christmas nostalgia, I remember literally everything good. Opening presents, opening the cards, school plays, the music, and films and spending time with the family.

I went to Bents Garden Centre with my beautiful niece the other day to buy some decorations for my house and my bedroom. It was her first trip to Bents and she really enjoyed the lights on the trees. The trip was spontaneous as I nearly said no to the invitation because it was too sudden but I said yes because it felt appropriate. Because I did, I ended up buying some good decorations and spending time with Lucy.

I’m now aiming to complete my Christmas picture before Christmas day on Deviant art. When I finish it I will be sure to share it. It comprises some of my favourite anime characters. I will make it the best that I can. So far, it’s in its inking stage and I really like the way it’s going. =)

That about does it. I will probably have an early night to take it easy but I will see how I feel.

Speak to you all soon. =)

Ryan.

Ps… it’s not an early night as I’ve just realised that it’s a few minutes passed midnight. Oh well!

It’s rather weird how much I’m sharing my art over the World Wide Web. I always lacked the confidence to do so in fear that me and my art would get ridiculed. However, a few months ago, with encouragement from my family, I created a DeviantArt account with the view to share my work.

I’m really enjoying the experience of sharing coloured pictures as well as rough sketches. In the space of 5 months I felt a humongous confidence and enthusiasm souring through me. I always enjoyed drawing but sharing my art with the public feels like a big achievement for me personally. I suppose you could say I’ve always locked up my expression by keeping my works to myself but now I feel like I’m able to express myself freely without worrying or over-thinking.

After all, I never draw to be popular, I draw for enjoyment. I could literally draw for an entire day and never lose my smile. =)

Strangely, since opening my Deviantart account, I actually feel that I’m improving my art style. The recent illustration, Reiko Arisugawa, represents the sort of style that I’m trying to nail down in terms of colouring and inking. I really like Reiko and I like to think that I did a good job with this picture.

What picture am I going to complete next? I’m not entirely sure. I have a lot of drafts in the works but the problem with me is that I get so many ideas for pictures, I tend to leave some pictures unfinished and start news ones. That’s why it takes a long time for me to finish a picture. Haha.

I do have some pictures that are close to being finished though. At this moment in time I’m into badass anime girls wielding kickass weapons. In the final drafting stages I have one with Aiz and Ryu from Danmachi, Jurie Crotze from Atelier Shallie, Karen from Shomin Sample, Kirin from The Asterisk War and Yukina from Strike the Blood.

I’m not sure which one I will ink first but I will upload all them when they are complete. However, I do have other projects that I’m planning as well. I’m planning a couple of Christmas themed pictures which I’m anticipating to draw early so I can finish them on time. Haha. I even have my own personal OC character in the works. I don’t think I will complete her anytime soon though.

At this moment in time I will never set a deadline for any of my pictures as they will give me an unnecessary headmush, and that would never do!

2014 has been one big adventure. Many happy things have happened for me as well as many nerve-racking moments. In fact, I keep on forgetting the littlest of things that happened this year. Passing an online course, completing my first ever story, attending my sister’s wedding and going out many times, especially London! Right now I’m just busy enjoying the festive season. =)

I’m sure 2015 will treat me just as kindly, if not more. I’m not sure what’s going to happen really, but there are many things for me to look forward to. There are plenty of Marvel films coming up at the cinema. I think a new James Bond film is also coming out at the pictures. I will hopefully take the opportunity in that year to upload my book onto Amazon Kindle. I’m very excited yet nervous about that prospect. =)

My New Year’s Resolution?… I don’t have one. Well, my New Year’s Resolution applies every day in every moment, not just on the 1st January. That resolution is to always be kind to others and to enjoy every moment of every day. I’m sure that whatever happens in 2015 is meant to be.

I will continue to write about my thoughts and how I cope in social situations. I will write plenty of anime and manga reviews. I also anticipate that I will share with you all my past experiences during my acting days. I have many funny stories to tell and I figured it’d be worth sharing. =)

I wrote quite a few haikus as it is one of my hobbies. I don’t usually share them as they’re rather personal to me. However, my gut feeling is telling me that I should share one haiku in particular. It’s the one that I wrote specifically for this time of year. Here it is:

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

My-resolution,

Is-for-everyone-to-be,

Happy-all-year-long.

Written By

Ryan Speak

31st December 2014

THANKS FOR READING

My New Year’s Eve has just got better. My Christmas present, Non Non Biyori calendar, has literally arrived just in time before we welcome 2015. I’m really happy, so happy that I decided to share a photo of it here. =)

The Undateables is coming back on Channel 4 very soon. A few close peeps have mentioned in passing that it might be worth considering going on that show to meet up with someone. I appreciate their thoughts for me and considering my happiness. However, I have no plans to use these types of dating services.

My main reason is that it would just feel too forced and formal. I get anxious and nervous just meeting someone new at my brother’s and sister’s gatherings. I feel that meeting someone new by myself would put me under unnecessary pressure. Plus, the TV coverage wouldn’t really help ease my nerves. I make many mistakes in social situations and if I embarrass myself only a few people would see it. However, if I make mistakes and be quirky on TV then three million plus viewers would see it, not just a handful of people. Haha.

Really, being in a relationship has never really entered my mind. I did go on a date when I was 11 years old but that’s another story to tell in another blog. 😉 Really, what’s important is for me to meet new people and gain experience by meeting a variety of people. Of course, having a female partner would, I’m sure, be a valuable and wonderful experience. However, I’m in no rush. I never have been and I never will be. My priorities are my family and friends, meeting new people and making new friends through the art that is socialising. =)

I’m not worried about finding someone because I know I have a soul mate out there. It’s just that I haven’t met her yet, cue Michael Buble… I don’t know when, I don’t know how, and I don’t know where but I know that fate will assist me into finding that one special lady. Some of you may not believe in fate, but I’m a huge believer in fate and that two people are destined to be together. Some find each other through neighbours, some find each other through schools and some even find each other in pubs and train stations. Haha.

THANKS FOR READING

It will happen for me it’s just all about living in the present and not worry about what the future holds.

Just right now, I just finished watching a film about Glenn Miller starring James Stewart, it was really cool. Mr Miller is quite the pioneer in his time and a very positive gentleman. I would have like to have met him.

I’m now going to read heaps of manga that I got over Christmas, but not before going out for a long walk. The sky is golden and beautiful where I am right now. =D

The most appealing factor of this film for me would have to be the quick-yet-explosive action. I like the diverse levels of fighting styles and power levels from the characters. I find that with the various strengths and power levels it allow us to enjoy different kinds of fights. We have basic combat fights involving Captain America, demi-god lightning from Thor, gun shooting from Nick Fury, aggressive power from Hulk and cool high-tech gadgets from Iron Man. All of this, I think, really attracts all kinds of fans. =D

Captain America is fun to watch. He can manoeuvre like ten cats in one. He can use his shield as a defensive mechanism as well as a boomerang. A lot of cool stuff happens when he uses his shield in combat. My favourite part was when Iron Man shot a beam at his shield which deflected into one of the enemy. That was a great piece of teamwork right there. =D

Iron Man… he is, without doubt, my favourite superhero. It may seem strange to but I feel that Iron Man could be real. Perhaps it’s because of the genius technology that exists in today’s society? This, and there’s this real robot called ‘Titan’. I think he appeared in Big Brother[1] once? Plus, it’s a man putting on armour, not a man summoning lightning like Thor. Minus the laser beams and the flying I feel that Iron Man could actually exist in real life, haha.

I like Tony Stark just as much. He’s not your typical hero. I loved his banter with the Captain. “Take off your armour, what are you?” “…a genius playboy philanthropist.” I thought that was comedy gold. I couldn’t remember the exact dialogue but it was something along those lines. =) They had severe differences in the beginning but it was their mutual feelings for their enemies and Coulson that drew them closer together. They ended up respecting one another and in the end they ended up working well together. I enjoyed their growth in their friendship. =)

I was really upset when Coulson died, especially since he didn’t get the chance to get the Captain’s autograph. At first I thought the Captain was being ignorant to Coulson’s admiration and compliments. However, I was reminded that he’s been frozen for 70 years. Thinking about it logically, he was more likely just too overwhelmed by the advanced technology in today’s society. The submarine plane part was especially cool. =D

The biggest tear-jerking moment though, besides Coulson’s death, happened right at the end. Tony, who is quite the self-involved gent, risked his life to put the bomb into that other dimension. My heart was really in my mouth when he tried to call Pepper but couldn’t get through… I was then touched when the Incredible Hulk, of all people, grabbed him before he [Tony] fell splat on the ground. It just goes to show that the Hulk is capable of thinking and distinguishing between allies and enemies… just not all the time. Haha.

As well as the kickass action there have been many funny moments, touching moments, teary moments, exciting moments and a cameo from Stan Lee. What more could you ask for from Marvel Studios?^^/

This really is an amazing film and I can’t wait for Avengers: Age of Ultron, this coming April. I have no hesitation to give this film, Two Thumb’s-Up.^^/ (My Rating System)

THANKS FOR READING

I watched this on BBC1, right before Match of the Day on Boxing Day. I noticed more things from watching this the second time. The most notable thing I noticed was the brief mention of Jane Foster, Thor’s love interest.
I never planned to review this film. It was a completely spontaneous moment. I like to think that I’m getting better at being spontaneous, as to me, being spontaneous means that I’m living in the moment. Living in the moment means that I’m living for today, my favourite kind of day. =)

I have plenty of traditions at this time of year. I watch Christmas films, watch Thomas special episodes, listen to Christmas music and watch football on Boxing Day. My two most important traditions are hanging out with peeps and wrapping presents. You see, I get a thrill wrapping presents on Christmas Eve evening.

However, I’ve come down with a bad cold for the past few weeks. So, I wrapped them early so I could attend my sister’s Christmas Eve gathering. It was a good night and I made sure to work the room and talk to everyone. =) I don’t like feeling sorry for myself so I tend to not tell anyone if I have a cold or when I’m poorly. Someone did point out that my nose was really red. That was no brainer though; it was obvious that I was auditioning to be Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer. 😉 Haha.

I woke up really late this morning and we, as a family, opened up our presents quite late. We would all sit in a circle, Dad would pass out the presents, and we would open them one at a time. However, with Santa sacks, we just divulge in them right before we open up the presents from friends and family. Of course, I know Father Christmas doesn’t really bring our presents but me and my Mum still get Santa sacks. It’s all part of the fun, so why not? 🙂

I got a lot of nice presents from Father Christmas and from my family too. From the top of my head, I got…

High School DxD Volume 3

Monster Musume Volume 5

D-Frag Volume 2

Marvel Socks

Superman and Marvel loungers

Marvel T-Shirt

Is This a Zombie DVD

Lion onesie

Captain America: Winter Soldier Blu-Ray

Thomas: Tale of the Brave

Thomas the Tank Engine Annual 2015

Winnie the Pooh the complete collection

A very well knitted beard. Haha. =D

Non Non Biyori outro music

New set of dark striped pyjamas

So far it’s been really positive. Before I set off for my sister’s gathering I saw, what I personally believe was a shooting star. I know I might be unwell and not thinking straight but my eyes never deceive me. =) Well, it was either a shooting star or a comet. However, I’m choosing to believe that it was a shooting star. My face was spread in an exasperated gawp…after 20 seconds I made several wishes at once. I wished for Christmas and New Year to be good for everyone, to over-think less and to be a successful author in 2015. =) If it wasn’t a shooting star then my next guess would have been Father Christmas. Haha.

So far, it’s working, as everyone I know is having a very pleasant Christmas. I keep on falling asleep today as I’m not well but chilling out is the best way for a speedy recovery. =)

I’m planning to go out on several shopping trips and ordering some stuff as well. Through browsing on Amazon I discovered that Seven Seas, my current favourite publishers, have actually acquired licensed for Non Non Biyori manga! I’m extremely excited about this. For the past year I’ve always said to myself that if anyone was going to license Non Non Biyori, it was going to be Seven Seas. It’s not released until 30th June 2015. Aside from my birthday, it’s another reason to look forward to 6 months from now. =)

After the Christmas meal, and breaking the wish bone, I’ll probably spend the rest of the evening watching the Christmas trilogy of Only Fools and Horses and Captain America with my family. Then, I anticipate an early night. Even if I am unwell, I can still think happy thoughts. =D

For the fun of it, here is a picture of me dressing up in my Lion onesie and wearing that fake beard. Haha.